Recommended on

“A beautiful Dorset Holiday Base”

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“We travelled as a group of 4 adults and 2 young children (plus dog).
Shepherds Hut is a beautiful conversion and the pictures dont do it justice. We have stayed at other similar properties in the past and this is definately up there with the best of them. Just looking at the guest book entries over the past 5 years shows 99.9% of guests LOVE it.
The property is brilliantly equipped, we didnt find the electric heaters an issue (as implied in an earlier review) and its rural location suited us for the peace and quiet. It was strangley therapeutic watching the sheep from the upstairs feature window and there were plenty of walks around the wider farm grounds for the dog and kids. Yes there was the occasional "fruity" smell outside depending on the direction of the wind and we quickly learnt not to open the kitchen window for flies (who seemed to take shelter in that particular window frame) but it is a working farm!! Wifi and phone reception is very poor but again we took this as the price of having such a beautiful and peaceful location.
It was a great base for our day trips. Monkey World, Weymouth, Poole, Swanage and Corfe Castle within an easy 20 minute drive.
Before travelling i was slightly nervous that there were no recent reviews, and with a couple of the previous reviews, but i neednt have worried. Would thoroughly recommend.”

Carolyn M, October 2016

“Pictures speak for themselves”

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“Location and property are both stunning. By choosing a property within 30 minutes of home, I was able to have it all for my 40th. Weekend/afternoon gathering with family and close friends, kids had post half-term holiday to enjoy (plenty of DVDs and board games to keep them occupied - fair selection of books but we recommend bringing children's books) and my wife and I managed to have few days to ourselves (still took children to school!).
The beauty of this property is that the location is good enough to have a wonderful week with or without using your car.
Without car
1) lounge next to the wood burning stove whilst eating cheese/wine and either reading a good book or looking out of the panoramic windows at sheep/rainbows/moonlit sky)
2) kitchen and bathroom well equipped for cooking and/or relaxation, we even managed some more cheese and wine in the garden on one sunny afternoon
3) Lots of grounds to explore - Peppa Pig lovers will adore the gigantic muddy puddles (rain permitting) and nice walks around farm (map provided and we saw deer on two of our walks).
4) There are pubs within walking distance - we didn't go to the local but instead did a medium hike (3-4 miles each way) to Hambro Arms in Milton Abbas - highly recommended food (many others mentioned in guest book and cottage info). Although we used our OS Map, once you find national trailway sign (200m west on main road), it's due North all the way so no need for detailed map.
With car - I won't go through all that can be done in this wonderful area (loads of info at cottage) but although I've lived nearby for 30 years I still managed to find some great new places to eat (like Greyhound in Winterborne Stickland and Langton Arms in Tarrant Monkton).
Bottom line is, I would be very surprised if you did not love a stay at the Shepherd's Hut (hard pushed to find anything to the contrary in guest book).
P.S: Reason I have not recommended this property to older travellers is that, being an upside down property, they may find it a nuisance that the toilets are both on the ground floor whilst the open plan living area is on the first floor.”

Ruth F, Dorset, UK, November 2014

“lovely retreat”

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“Very well presented converted barn on a working farm. Lovely and clean and everything you need. Great base for exploring Dorset and the surrounding areas. Very dog friendly with lots of nice farmland walks. Property has the living section upstairs and bedrooms / bathroom on ground level. Wood burning stove in the lounge and great views over the fields. Lots of space in this property with big kitchen area and 2 Sofa's in the lounge. Lots of wildlife seen and you can watch the cows being milked if you want. Great holiday let. . . we loved it.”

Mark R, Gorleston-on-Sea, United Kingdom, October 2014

“Shepherd's Hut”

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“One of the best holiday cottages we've stayed in. Spotlessly clean, well equipped, dog friendly, we couldn't fault it in any way. Came home and booked for next year!”

A FlipKey Verified Reviewer, August 2014

“Excellent!”

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“My husband & i stayed at Shepherds hut in February for a week. what can i say apart from excellent. The accomodation is all to a very high spec & very comfortable. We immediately felt at home upon opening the door, it was warm & inviting. We went upstairs where we were greeted with a homemade cake & there was milk,tea, coffee& bread provided. The view from the window was fabulous, we spent many hours with a glass of wine watching the buzzards & the countryside. Our dog also loved watching the dogs from the farmhouse in the distance. With it being winter the cows were all inside so there wasnt any smell or flies. The enclosed garden was a bonus as we just let the dog out at night without having to go out ourselves. The location was fantastic for the gorgeous Dorset attractions, we spent days walking & nights warm & cosy with the woodburner lit & a glass of wine. There are games & jigsaws in the sideboard with lots of books if your intention is to just go & relax. I would have no reservations in recommending this accomodation & it would be my first choice to stay in again if in Dorset.
Julie & Dave (Stafford)”

A FlipKey Verified Reviewer, August 2014

“Exceptional place”

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“We visited here in 2013 and the conversion was simply stunning with the upside down living providing fabulous views across the farmland which the full length window made simply stunning. It was very cosy to sit in the warm when it rained watching the rain patter against the window. The bedrooms were warm and comfy and spotlessly clean. The living quarters had everything you could need and the lemon drizzle cake left for us was a nice touch and quickly consumed. A great base for days out in a beautiful county. Would recommend 100%”

Peter L, Chester, United Kingdom, April 2014

“Wonderful cottage and location.”

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“We have two young children and were looking for somewhere quiet, which could be a base for us to do days out from. This cottage was just wonderful. The fantastic picture window in the living room was a great feature, we loved watching the 'sheep races' in the evening in the field opposite. The facilities provided are of an excellent standard. We situation of the cottage is perfect for walks out, and trips out in the car to nearby attractions. We would not hesitate to recommend this cottage, we had a lovely holiday here.”

A FlipKey Verified Reviewer, Clacton On Sea, August 2013

“Superb Barn Conversion”

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“Fabulous holiday cottage with first floor open plan lounge, kitchen/diner. Well insulated to modern standards but retaining old beams for character. Very well equipped with Bosch appliances and initial supplies of essentials. Electric heaters were more than adequate with wood burner for extra warmth and comfort. Superb position for Dorset attractions such as Swanage railway.
Be warned if visiting in Summer that this is on a working farm with cows and flies. Very popular so book early. Thoroughly recommended.”

Mcquarrievideo, Tavistock, United Kingdom, November 2012

“Stunning property in a beautiful location”

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“My partner and I have returned home today after a truly memorable week away. We rented "The Shepherds Hut" a real gem of a property just outside of the village of Winterborne Whitechurch nr Blandford Forum in Dorset. Upon our arrival the property was open so no awkwardness being shown around.
The ground floor is well proportioned, a lovely large hall way (great for muddy wellie boots) a master with en-suite, a good sized family bathroom with a bath and good sized separate shower. The two twin rooms are a little cosy but still lovely.
Upstairs is where it all gets really good though! As you walk up the stairs you are confronted with a stunning floor to ceiling window that reaches right into the eaves. The panoramic view of the rolling hills dotted with sheep is just to die for! As you carry on looking around you notice the beamed and vaulted ceilings, the woodburned and a very well appointed kitchen.. It was so lovely we even invited family for Sunday lunch! everybody was so impressed, even my mother (who is never impressed by anything) was blown away!
Everything was perfect!
We spent nearly the whole week tucked up in front of the woodburned watching the world slowly go by, our Jack Russell "Woody" loved the walks, the setting is wonderful and such fun to be on a working farm!”

Russellbedford1, Portsmouth, United Kingdom, November 2012

“Great for a taste of farm life & countryside”

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“An excellent setting, surrounded by fields (and cows) Nice, peaceful position and great to wander through the farmland. The Shepherds Hut itself was well specified & comfortable. The upstairs lounge with it's panoramic window impressed everyone. The solar heating for the water was a great touch and supplied all our needs. Upstairs got pretty warm when the sun shone but opening the windows wide risked a visit from the flies, which you'd have to expect on a dairy farm.
The position was good too and handy for lots of interesting parts of Dorset including, the Tank Museum, Monkeyworld, Durdle Door, Tyneham etc.
Everyone had a great time and it was like escaping the rush of the modern world for a brief week.”

“Shepherds hut was booked as a suprise for my husband's 60th birthday, he was overwhelmed when he saw the property, as was I & our daughter who was here from South Africa. We also had friends stay from friday - sunday. We had a brilliant week, weather was also very good for November, with some amazing places to visit. I would not hesitate to recommend the property & would live to come back one day.”

Mrs Peckham, Maidstone, November 2016

“The cottage was very very clean.
This was our third visit and we will be back again soon.
Thankyou
A Ede”

Mr Ede, Royston, October 2016

“A fabulous gem. We have been coming here the last 6 years. Perfect for us and our two dogs. Location very central to our trips out.
The peace is just the tonic we need to help recharge our batteries! We met the cleaner this year. A lovely lady who enjoys her work and it shows. The Hut is spotlessly clean on arrival. I'm sure we will be back still so much to explore in Dorset. Thank you.”

Mr Barnett, Warwickshire, September 2016

“The pictures just don't do this cottage justice. The whole area is beautiful and everyone on the farm is really friendly.
Absolutely loved it at the Shepherd's hut and can't wait to return”

Mrs Davies, Polegate, August 2016

“Great holiday - easy booking and lots of communication running up to holiday.”

Mrs Preston, SWINDON, August 2016

“Very well furnished and comfortable. Views were outstanding.
Would recommend the walk from Lulworth to Mupe bay but it is important to check that the firing ranges are clear. You can do this online.”

Mr Carr, Liverpool, August 2016

“There was a wow factor from the moment you walk up the stairs and see what a fantastic view there is of the countryside. We loved the fact that we were in the middle of a busy working farm, and often woke up in the morning with sheep surrounding our garden. We all loved chilling out in the beautiful garden that was very pet friendly and secure. We've already booked to stay there this Christmas. We highly recommend this wonderful cottage.”

Mr Alcock, Dunstable, May 2016

“This was a first class holiday cottage in a brilliant location and the accommodation was superb. We couldn't fault it and would like to return. Many thanks.”

Ms Kitson, Beckenham, April 2016

“We had a wonderful week in a glorious setting. Very high standard of accommodation with attention to detail exceptional. We would certainly highly recommend this cosy, warm converted barn to anyone and everyone. We have stayed at various cottages in the UK but this is top of the list. We will certainly return.”

Mr Holley, Worthing, February 2016

“A stunning barn which was extremely clean with a beautiful garden. There were lots of cutlery & kitchen utensils, towels etc. Our dogs loved being able to go for walks straight out the front door & the garden was so well fenced that there was no danger of them getting out. Definitely recommend & will be back again as soon as we can get some more leave.”

Mrs Searle, READING, December 2015

“Shepherd's Hut was absolutely fabulous - we had a wonderful time in the most gorgeous setting. The kitchen was exceptionally well equipped, the views spectacular, and the cottage comfortable and accommodating all round. The only thing I would say is that the photos online definitely don't do the cottage justice. A fantastic place, thanks.”

Mr Williams, WORCESTER, November 2015

“We have stayed in some very nice cottages but this is right at the top of the list.”

Features

Off road parking

Ground floor bedroom

Open fire

Smoke-free

Garden / Patio

Cot available

Highchair available

Washing machine

Dishwasher

Broadband / WiFi

The property

Winterborne Whitechurch 1 mile.
Set in an idyllic, rural location, on a working dairy farm within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is this superb Winterborne Whitechurch holiday cottage, which has been skilfully converted to an exceptionally high standard from a brick and flint period barn.

Just over a mile from the Dorset village of Winterborne Whitechurch, this charming Winterborne Whitechurch holiday cottage makes the most of the lovely country views by featuring an upside down layout.

The first floor open plan living area has beamed and vaulted ceilings, and is flooded with light from the dramatic eaves window.

Boasting a cosy woodburning stove as well as en-suite facilities, this Winterborne Whitechurch holiday cottage really does provide a luxurious holiday base from which to seek out all that this lovely area has to offer, from the nearby Georgian market town of Blandford Forum to the stunning Jurassic Coast.

Accommodation

Three ground floor bedrooms: 1 x king-size double with en-suite shower, basin and WC, 2 x twin. Ground floor bathroom with bath, separate shower, basin and WC. First floor open plan living area with fitted kitchen, dining area and sitting area with vaulted, beamed ceilings and a woodburning stove.

Additional fuel for woodburning stove available to purchase from the owner

Bed linen and towels inc. in rent

Travel cot and highchair available on request

Ample off road parking

Lawned garden and patio to rear with furniture

Two well-behaved dogs welcome

Sorry, no smoking

Shop 2 miles, pub 1.3 miles

Note: This is a working farm - dogs to be kept on leads at all times.

About the location

WINTERBORNE WHITECHURCH

Blandford Forum 5 miles; Dorchester 12 miles.

Winterborne Whitechurch, 5 miles from Blandford Forum, is one of eight Dorset villages in this area, which take their name from the seasonal stream which runs from springs high up on the chalk downs, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering glorious walks and superb views. Visitors can enjoy the village pub's cask ales whilst absorbing the picturesque village atmosphere. Within 3 miles is the charming village of Milton Abbas, with its neat, whitewashed thatched cottages, and splendid Benedictine Abbey, a sight not to be missed. Take a visit to the bustling market town of Dorchester, only 12 miles away, home of renowned Thomas Hardy; his birthplace at Bockhampton is also well worth exploring! Within an easy drive lies the stunning Jurassic Coast, with glorious sandy beaches at Weymouth and Swanage, dramatic Chesil Beach and Lulworth Cove and wonderful cliff top walks along the South West Coastal Path. This is a perfect location for relaxing and enjoying the delights Dorset has to offer.